South Metro Fire Rescue discusses growth challenges and funding at Littleton Council meeting

A significant discussion unfolded during the Littleton City Council Study Session on May 7, 2025, as South Metro Fire Rescue officials presented critical updates on their operations and financial outlook. The meeting highlighted the department's commitment to maintaining high-quality emergency services while grappling with rising costs and increasing call volumes.

Jim Allwe, a board member of South Metro Fire, emphasized the importance of community engagement, stating, "We're here to raise awareness and ensure you understand how to provide feedback." The fire district serves nearly 600,000 residents across 300 square miles, covering parts of Arapahoe and Douglas Counties, and is responsible for responding to a growing number of emergency calls.

The department reported a 20% increase in call volumes over the past five years, primarily driven by a rise in emergency medical service (EMS) requests. This trend is expected to continue, particularly in rapidly growing areas like Sterling Ranch. "We are seeing not just more people but more frequent calls," Allwe noted, underscoring the changing demographics within their service territory.

Financially, South Metro Fire Rescue operates without debt, relying heavily on property tax revenue, which constitutes 80% of its funding. However, the current mill levy of 9.25 mills has remained unchanged since 2004, making it the lowest among comparable fire departments in the metro area. Despite this, the department faces rising operational costs, with significant increases in equipment and personnel expenses. For instance, the cost of a fire engine has surged from $725,000 to $1.3 million over six years.

The council members raised concerns about the sustainability of these financial pressures, particularly in light of recent property tax legislation that may impact future revenues. "We need to maintain our quality of service," Allwe stated, emphasizing the necessity of adequate staffing and capital investments to meet community expectations.

As the meeting concluded, the council and South Metro Fire officials acknowledged the importance of ongoing dialogue to address these challenges. The discussions set the stage for future planning and resource allocation, ensuring that the fire department can continue to provide essential services to the Littleton community amidst evolving demands and financial constraints.